Jersey City will stage huge 'Freedom and Fireworks Festival' Friday

A spectacular fireworks show will be the climax to a daylong extravaganza Friday as Jersey City celebrates the Fourth of July.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said the the huge fireworks display will run a full 20 minutes after a day filled with activities.

Today, state officials toured Liberty State Park, which will host Friday's events, as part of the state's "Tourism Tuesday" initiative.

Friday's festivities will include a special guest appearance from the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, along with the Budweiser Brewmaster Experience and Beer Gardens.

Country music star Craig Morgan joins Budweiser to salute servicemen and women, both past and present, with a free concert.

Additionally, there will be a free performance by Kristen Redmond. The live music begins at 5:30 p.m.

Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro, is also creating a special Fourth of July cake for the Jersey City Freedom & Fireworks Festival. The cake will be a one-of-a-kind creation featuring various Jersey City landmarks and attractions, including the Colgate Clock, City Hall, and the Statue of Liberty. The cake will also feature sparklers to celebrate the hospital.

With the announcement that New York City was moving the Macy‟s Fireworks display to the East River, Jersey City officials worked quickly to fill the void for residents of Jersey City, northern New Jersey, and the west side of New York City.

"We are excited to bring fireworks back to Jersey City and to have the premier Fourth of July event in New Jersey," said Fulop. "Thanks to the help of our great sponsors, this will truly be a national event and will be a great day of entertainment for the entire family."

Starting at noon and running until 10:30 p.m., there will be family-friendly activities including carnival rides, games and food from local vendors and food trucks.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is expected to draw approximately 150,000 people to the park, will offer prime views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower and New York City skyline.

"No one should hesitate to come see the fireworks display because of transportation," said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

According to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin, there will be extra police on hand, along with extra bus and possible ferry service on Friday to accommodate the large number of people the city is anticipating.

"Safety is the main priority," said Guadagno.

Fireworks will be by Grucci, known as "America's First Family of Fireworks," which has mounted fireworks performances for many of the world‟s special events including seven consecutive U.S. presidential inaugurations, Olympic Games and World's Fairs.

Budweiser, a sponsor of the event, will donate $3 million to Fold of Honor Foundation, an organization that assists the spouses and children of fallen veterans with educational scholarships.

Anyone wishing to support Fold of Honor can do so by entering an online code found in specially marked packages of Budweiser to trigger a $1 donation that will provide scholarships to families of military members killed or disabled in action.

Other sponsors of the day's events include The Jersey Journal and Suntex Marinas.With over 100,000 spectators expected to watch Grucci's pyrotechncs at Liberty State Park, Surf City at 1 Marin Blvd. will provide residents with a cool sandy alternative to watch the display.

Doors to Surf City open at noon Friday with no cover charge and $20 special for all-dark parking. The restaurant's megabar offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Here's a timeline of Friday's Jersey City Freedom & Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park: